A leading Irish theologian has been appointed to a prestigious position in a university in Western Australia. Professor Eamonn Conway has been appointed the 2017 Sisters of St John of God Visiting Scholar to the University of Notre Dame, and will take up the position this week for a 12-week period.

In a series of three public lectures, Professor Conway, a priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, will explore the changing nature of the priestly vocation; the state of the planet; and the views of love, marriage and family in light of recent encyclicals by Pope Francis:

The Future of Priesthood and Ministry in the Catholic Church (Tuesday 11 July);

Implications of Laudato Si’ for how we Christians live our lives (Tuesday 1 August);

Professor Conway is one of Europe’s most eminent Catholic scholars. In 2012, Pope Benedict appointed him as an expert adviser to the XIII World Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelisation. Two years later, Professor Conway was appointed to the expert panel of the Holy See’s Agency for promoting quality assurance in Pontifical Universities and Ecclesiastical Faculties.

He is currently the Head of Theology and Religious Studies at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.

Professor Selma Alliex, Head of the Fremantle Campus, said Professor Conway’s insights into Catholic theology and mission were significant for Notre Dame as a Catholic university, one that is committed to its objects and supporting the role and work of the Church.

“Professor Conway’s insightful talks will encourage us to place our faith in God at the centre of our being as a university bound by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. This approach ensures we can help people develop the skills they need in their lives and for their careers,” Professor Alliex said.

As part of The Sisters of St John of God Visiting Scholar program, an eminent scholar in Catholic spirituality visits Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus for up to 12 weeks each year to provide formation opportunities for staff, students and members of the community.